Jordin Sparks Sparkles in Our September Issue

On the verge of superstardom, Jordin Sparks talks about her new film Sparkle, losing her mentor Whitney, how she made over her body without ever using the word diet, and, most impressively, why she refuses to act like a celeb. Get a sneak pe

On the verge of superstardom, Jordin Sparks talks about her film debut, Whitney Houston, and her rockin' new bod. Get a sneak peek of her cover interview now.

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How Whitney Houston's death puts Sparkle in a new light:

How Whitney Houston's death puts Sparkle in a new light:

"I get so overwhelmed because it's my first film, and for my first film to be so deep and heavy...I got to work with one of my idols and sing with her, and she even played my mother. I don't know if anything will ever be as good as this. Sometimes I ask myself, 'Why did I deserve to have a part in a film like this?' I don’t want this to come off crazy, but somebody said to me, 'It's like Whitney essentially passed the torch.' And to hear that, it's just nuts."

Giles Bensimon

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On her recent weight loss:

On her recent weight loss:

"My whole journey has been about self-acceptance. There's no quick or magical way to lose weight. You just have to do it the natural way — diet and exercise and stick to it — and be able to do it at your own pace. Everyone has their own thing."

How Whitney Houston's death puts Sparkle in a new light:

"I get so overwhelmed because it's my first film, and for my first film to be so deep and heavy...I got to work with one of my idols and sing with her, and she even played my mother. I don't know if anything will ever be as good as this. Sometimes I ask myself, 'Why did I deserve to have a part in a film like this?' I don’t want this to come off crazy, but somebody said to me, 'It's like Whitney essentially passed the torch.' And to hear that, it's just nuts."

Giles Bensimon

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On her recent weight loss:

"My whole journey has been about self-acceptance. There's no quick or magical way to lose weight. You just have to do it the natural way — diet and exercise and stick to it — and be able to do it at your own pace. Everyone has their own thing."

Giles Bensimon

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On finding love with fellow musician Jason Derulo:

"We both went through things that were tragic, and that brought us even closer together. He had a near-death experience, and I lost someone. Priorities get in line when stuff like that happens. Family is what matters — and being with the people you love."

Giles Bensimon

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On why Hollywood's party scene isn't for her:

"Oh, I'm waaay too scared to dabble in anything like that. I like the way my heart beats, I like the way I think; I don't need or want anything to change that. The first thing I think of is, 'What would my grandparents say?' My mom and dad would kick my butt."

Giles Bensimon

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More from Jordin:

For more from the rising star, pick up the September issue of REDBOOK (on newsstands August 14).